The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-10

| HE eOuntenance OF the ageu MOHlIuC,
| far from seeming to him imposing,
struck him as in the highest degree
ridiculous. He gave unreserved sway
to all the foolish ideas suggested by
chance and champagne, and at last
gave expression to a witticlSm which
delighted him at the time, but was fated
to cost him dear.
Soon after the hour for setiring ar
rived and the company dispersed. Yer
seuil went Immediately to bed and fell
into a sound sleep, like man at the
close of 4 well-spent day. The next
morning he rose early, but his mind
was not so cheerful rs usual His first
thoughts were of his dear ErneStine,
and he reproached himself with having,
while far from her, yielded 4 moment
to forgetfulneSs. He felt a PRESENT.
ment that he should never see her
again, and vague unrest, for which he
could find no cause, troubled and per-
picked him.
His servant entered and handed him
! letter; he recognized the hand of Mad
anne de Barvillc With what haste he
opened the welcome missive! He would
hear of Ernestine, who; perhaps had
added few words. He was filed with
delight and all sad reflections were BAN
ishcd. This was the letter:
Pardon me. nv dear vcrscuil for having
until now withheld from you secret. You
certainly merit our entire confidence, but
my circumstances have demanded a reti-
cence for which my heart has reproached
me. In believing me the widow of Il veteran
soldier you were mistaken. My husband
still lives, and IS near you in your regiment.
] beg of you, NerseuiI, TO show every atten-
ton to the Chevalier de Montuc. lie is the
best of men, honor and 10y atty perSOnitied.
lie is dearer to me than all the world beside,
and if so many reasons do not suffice to
make you love and respect him, he the
father of your beloved ErneStine. This in
formation astonishes You, and YOU ask, no
doubt, why l am not known by my hus
bands name. 1t is an honorable name
which we consider it our duty not to bar,
since we are without means to maintain it
properly. Losses without number have de-
priVed me OF the wealth which was my in
heritance. The Chevaiier de Montluc is a
younger son, and has no property. But he
possesses the lofty pride OF his race. He
suffers Tor my poverty. but he shall not
blush for il. in world where to be poor is
long, this cruel state of things may be
changed. Then we Will resume our names
and position, but meanwhile. Ernestine and
/ must I've in that seclusion beftting the I'M
fortunate. Therefore revere and love Mon
sier de MOntluc as 4 father. He needs care,
for he Is old he i perhaps somewhat ScnSi-
tive, for he is poor. Beware, above all things.
of allowing him to suspect that yOu know
his secret. He would never forgive his
daughter or myself as long as he lived. |
had not intended to cOnlide in you, but after
your departure Erncstine begged OF mo, with
tears. the consolation OF intrustug her faith
or to the care of her best friend
To her mothers letter Ernestinc had
added these WORKS: Il will measure the
love of VerSeUil by the care he gives TO
my father"
1t would be difficult TO describe the
impression made by this letter upon
Verscuil He blushed and was dis
tressed while he as yet but imperfectly
remembered the scene of the previous
even ne and scarf ' understood the
reason of his remorse. What. this old
officer whom yesterday in a fit of drunk
enness he had treated with such want of
consideration the father of Ernestine!
Gradually he recalled all his foolish |
tests and realized how ineXcusable it |
was for 4 yoang person thus to address |
an estimabie and unfortunate old man. |
As he was rejecting upon the means of !
repairing this injury he heard knock /
ut the door and the cervant announced i
the Cheyelier de Montluc. At this name,
at this unexpected visit, Verseuil was
almost petrif;ed with establishment |
He would have greeted Monsieur de |
Montluc, but found no opportunity.
The chevalier seated himself without |
ceremony, and assuming a stern and |
severe expression, gazed iiXedly at Yer
seuil. After moment of oppressive
silence De Montluc said in calm,
d gnitied manner;
Monsieur de Verscuil, | haze seen |
fifty years of service; have fought for
my country and my King; | am COW
cred with honorable sears Though
fortune may never distinguish ne from
the crowd, though de in obscurity,
at least honor. will accom-
panv me to the portals of the
tomb. This honor, Monsieur de Yer
seuil, has served as my guide through
long and painful life. The only wealth
which remains to me, it is my consola-
t on for the innumerable hardsh;ps i'm
posed upon me by fate. You, Mon
sieur, at twenty wears of age. have ieer-
ingly insul,ed me, regardless of the
Difference which is due to my gray
ma rs"
"Ah. Monsieur.
do not interrupt me! If you find
this discourse over long 1 will abridge
it. You insulted me, Monsieur de Yer
seu;l, and have come to demand salts
faction"
You! Good Heavens
"Yes, /, >" continued the old officer,
coldlv I'D you think, sir, that you
were attacking a weak and defenseless
old man? You were greatly mistaken.
Honor is never poweriess. 1t can al
ways find means to punish insult, and
force respect. 1t can render futile all
the advantages of which youth is 50
boaStful. L DO not propose 4 fight with
swords; YOU could not desire it;
you would not wish to oppose Your
strength and skill against a man whose
hand is troubling and whose sight is
dimmcd by age. 1t is my privilege to
make conditions and select arms. We
Will throw dee, Monsieur de Verseuil.
and he who throws highest shall blow
out the brains of the other"
BLOW out your brains, Better a
thousand times perish" cried Verseuil,
beside himself, walking the floor in vio-
lent agitation.
You need not spare me-" replied
the old man proudly; should fate
favor me will not spare YOU Mon
sieur de Verseuil, good morning. This
evening at eiUht o clock we wall meet |